What do North American river otters eat?

Fish make up the vast majority of their diet — over 90% in some studies — supplemented by crayfish, amphibians, and occasionally small mammals or birds.

How do river otters find prey in murky water?

They rely on long, sensitive whiskers to detect the movement of fish and other prey even when visibility underwater is poor.

Have river otter populations recovered from historical declines?

Yes. Since 1976, more than 4,000 otters have been reintroduced across 21 US states, successfully restoring populations in many areas where they had disappeared.

North American River Otterカナダカワウソ

Lontra canadensisLC— Least Concern

The North American river otter is a highly aquatic member of the weasel family found throughout Canada and the United States, feeding primarily on fish. Its long, sensitive whiskers help it detect prey in murky water, and its dens typically have multiple tunnel entrances, at least one opening directly into the water. Reintroduction programs since 1976 have restored otter populations across more than 20 US states, and the species is classified as Least Concern.

North American River Otter (reference photo) — Photo: Chuck Homler d/b/a Focus On Wildlife / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Carnivora / Mustelidae Source
Distribution: Widespread across Canada and the United States, with records extending into Tamaulipas, Mexico; it is currently rare or absent in several central US states. Source

Did You Know?

Populations along Canada's Pacific coast defecate on land, transporting nutrients from aquatic ecosystems onto shore and boosting the abundance of terrestrial birds. Source
Due to delayed implantation, gestation appears to last 10–12 months, but actual fetal development takes only 61–63 days. Source
Since 1976, more than 4,000 otters have been reintroduced across 21 US states, successfully restoring populations in many regions. Source

Where to See This Species

2 facilities · 0 individuals

How to tell Sea Otters vs. River Otters apart →

高知県立のいち動物公園 (Kouchi Kenritsu Noichi Doubutsu Kouen)Kochi土佐くろしお鉄道ごめん・なはり線「のいち駅」から徒歩20分またはレンタサイクル13分。

高知県立のいち動物公園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

盛岡市動物公園 (Moriokashi Doubutsu Kouen)IwateOpened in 1989

盛岡市動物公園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNではLC。水辺の質を保つことが生息の基盤です。

Habitat

北アメリカの河川、湖沼、湿地、沿岸。

Threats

水質悪化
湿地の減少
交通事故

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

水辺環境の保全
飼育展示による生態教育

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

What do North American river otters eat?: Fish make up the vast majority of their diet — over 90% in some studies — supplemented by crayfish, amphibians, and occasionally small mammals or birds. Source
How do river otters find prey in murky water?: They rely on long, sensitive whiskers to detect the movement of fish and other prey even when visibility underwater is poor. Source
Have river otter populations recovered from historical declines?: Yes. Since 1976, more than 4,000 otters have been reintroduced across 21 US states, successfully restoring populations in many areas where they had disappeared. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org